Automated twist diaper disposal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A waste disposal receptacle is provided with an apparatus for sanitarily disposing of solid waste material such as diapers, hospital and nursing home waste products, and biologically hazardous wastes. The receptacle houses an automated mechanism for sealing and packaging the waste material and includes a container, a motorized turning device and a cassette containing a storage of flexible tubing for packaging the waste material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/499,443, filed on Sep. 2, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a waste disposal apparatusand, more particularly, to an automated apparatus particularly suitedfor the sanitary and odorless disposal of waste such as soiled diapers.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are a number of systems for disposing of waste materials such assoiled diapers. The systems are often touted as a convenient way todispose of such waste materials and reduce or eliminate any odor thatmay emanate from the materials. An example of such systems is U.S. Pat.No. 5,147,055 which discloses a diaper container that includes anactivated charcoal filter to retain and absorb orders within thecontainer.

Most waste receptacles are fitted with a lid designed to contain odorswhen the lid is closed. However, most lids are not designed to beperfectly air-tight in respect of their receptacles, or after repeateduse become less-than air tight, permitting malodor to emanate from thereceptacles even when they are closed. Even with the most air-tightcontainers, upon opening the container, the noxious odors escape intothe area giving an extremely unpleasant sensation to the personattempting to add more trash to the receptacle. Location of thereceptacles in a remote location is inconvenient and generallyunsatisfactory.

Numerous receptacles have been proposed for temporarily holding diaperwaste. These receptacles typically employ one of several approaches toreduce the emanation of malodor from the receptacle, which may becharacterized as the use of making agents, odor sorbent material, innerlids or seals, air locks or sealed packaging.

Another problem with trash receptacles is that they tend to retainnoxious odors even after the trash is ultimately removed. After a periodof time a thorough and complete cleaning of such receptacles isnecessary.

The scented diaper pail has been commercially available for many years.Scent is added to the diaper pail in the hope of hiding the smell of themalodor by producing a smell that masks the malodor to the olfactorysenses. The problem with such pails is that the masking smell itself canoften become irritating to the consumer, as well as the fact that mostscented diaper pails loose their masking effect after a period of time.

A particularly difficult trash to retain for ultimate disposal isdiapers. Diapers are typically stored and accumulated in a container.The cumulative odor of diapers being stored within the containerfrequently reaches such an offensive level that the diapers must bedisposed of before the container is full. The latter leads to a largeuse of container liners such as bags, and excessive emptying operations.Excessive emptying operation can be of particular concern as onehesitates to leave the infant unattended or to carry the infant and thesoiled diapers to a remote location. A further problem associated withsuch containers is that the containers themselves over time tend toretain the malodor even when no diapers are present in the containers.Therefore a thorough and complete cleaning of such containers is oftennecessary to reduce the lingering odor. Further, as many diaper disposalreceptacles are not child-proof, toddlers playing around the containermay inadvertently open the container to allow odors to escape or thechild may reach in to touch solid diapers.

European patent application No. 0005660, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein, describes a device for disposingkitchen refuse in packages enclosed by flexible tubing derived from atubular pack of tubing surrounding a tubular guide. The device includesa tube sealing mechanism. The tubing passes from the pack over the topof and then down the guide to a position beneath the guide where it hasbeen closed by fusion to provide a receptacle within the guide means.When this receptacle is full of refuse, a lever is manually operated toactuate an electro-mechanical apparatus including clamping and fusiondevices that travel round closed tracks to perform the four-fold task ofdrawing the receptacle down below the tubular guide, fusing the tubingwalls together to seal the top of the receptacle, sealing the tubingwalls together to provide the closed base of the next receptacle anddividing the tubing by heat at a location between these two fusionlocations to separate the filled package. There are a number ofdisadvantages with this device including the need for latches to preventthe wheels extending from the heating elements from inadvertentlyreturning up the central track portions (as opposed to following theouter track portions as they should. A further disadvantage is that theheating element must be at least the width of the tube in order to sealthe tube all the way across thereby preventing, for example, the escapeof odors from the waste.

Another popular approach to disposing of such diapers has been with adevice using a tube twisting mechanism to form a pouch about the diaper.As an example, see the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049,5,590,512, and 5,813,200, the contents of all of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 to Jacoby, et al. discloses a device fordisposing of soiled diapers in twisted packages. The device has acontainer body with a hinged base, a hinged lid, and an upward cylindersecured within the container body. A tubular core rests on a portion ofthe upward cylinder to allow rotation there between. A flexible tube orsleeve rests on a portion of the tubular core with the tubing beingcircumferentially pleated as stored. Springs are fixed to the containerand project radially inward to engage a package formed from the tube.The springs are equally spaced around the interior of the container tohold the package during the forming of a twist in the tube.

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 is used to form a seriesof packages enclosing objects. The top of the flexible tubing is pulledupwards and tied into a knot. The closed end formed by the knot can thenform the bottom of a package with the sidewalls formed by the tubing.The object is inserted and rests against the tubing near the knot. Arotatable interior lid is put into place and rotated such that theunused tubing and the tubular core rotate with respect to the packagethat is being formed. The package being formed does not rotate becauseit is held in place by friction between it and springs. Thus a packageis formed between the knot and a first twist. Subsequently, objects aredisposed and twisted in a like manner to form discrete packages withtwists between them.

Devices such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 are aconvenient way of disposing of soiled diapers. A disadvantage of thesystem is that the twists between packages may become unraveled, therebyallowing groups of diapers to collect within the tubing, which makesemptying the container more difficult. Further, the twists do not createa continuous, complete seal and, therefore, may allow odor to escapefrom a package. Increasing the twists between packages may eliminate theabove disadvantages, however, this requires the use of additionaltubing.

Another example of a device used to decrease odors that emanate fromdiaper waste is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,847 and 6,516,588,both issued to Jensen, et al. These related patents disclose a sealablediaper-disposal system that includes a container body, a tubular core onwhich flexible tubing is stored, and a tube-sealing mechanism having apair of heating elements. The flexible tubing is pulled from the tubularcore and passed between the pair of heating elements. The tube-sealingmechanism operates to move the pair of heating elements toward eachother to fuse the width of the tubing, and away from each other to allowthe tubing to be pushed into the lower portion of the container body.

The contents of all of the prior art references cited herein areincorporated by reference. From the above it can be understood by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art that there are a number ofdisadvantages associated with prior art waste disposal devices usingflexible tubing to form packets for disposal of waste materials. It isclear that a device is needed that will eliminate the disadvantagesdescribed above. Such a device should be relatively economical topurchase and operate, ensure that the seals between packets are completeand cannot come undone, and be easy to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a waste container for sanitarydisposal of waste including a container body defining a waste bin and anopening that provides access to the waste bin; a support mounted to thecontainer body adjacent the opening, the support having a flangeextending therefrom that is configured for mounting a tubing cassetteabove the waste bin, wherein the support encloses less than all of theopening to the waste compartment so that waste can be passed through theopening and into the waste chamber; a tubing cassette mounted to theflange of the support; and a tube twisting/sealing means for formingindividual waste packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubingcassette.

In another embodiment, the waste container comprises an automatedturning or twisting mechanism, a rotatable tubing cassette which isstructurally configured to be mounted to the flange of the support; anda retention means operationally configured to prevent rotation of awaste packet enclosed within the tubing when the cassette is rotated toallow twisting of the tubing to close the waste package. The flange maybe configured to allow rotation of the tubing cassette. The cassette canbe rotated by electrical power using a motorized rotating grip ring tocreate a closure by a twisting action of the flexible tubing whensequestering a waste packet. In one embodiment, the motorized apparatusfor the sanitary disposal of waste comprises a plunging device with asuitable plate or disk for contacting the twisted closure of the wastepackage so that the plate or disk can downwardly push the enclosedpackage for a predetermined distance from the origin of tubing from therefill cassette's storage compartment, providing sufficient space fordepositing a subsequent waste packet.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises an upper orhead compartment located on top of the waste container, the upper orhead compartment encompasses an apparatus comprising a drive platemounted to the tubing cassette, a drive gear assembly engaged with thedrive plate, and a motor mounted to the upper compartment apparatus andhaving an output shaft that rotates the drive gear when the motor isactivated, the power from the motor being transmitted through themultiple gear assembly. A timing circuit may be employed for activatingthe motor to rotate the tubing cassette set at a predetermined amount oftime or a predetermined number of times. A manually operated switch maybe used for activating the motor.

In one aspect of the invention, the upper or head portion serves also asa lid over the lower receptacle compartment or waste bin of the wastecontainer. The lid or upper compartment of the waste container of theinvention can be hingedly attached to the container body for enclosingthe opening to the waste bin. The lid or head portion of the containercan be secured, for example, with a latch device. In addition, the hingeitself can include a latching mechanism or a biasing means to retain thelid in an open position. A foot pedal assembly can be attached to thelid as the mechanism for opening the lid. Such assemblies are well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art.

In another aspect of the present invention, a waste container comprisinga container body defining a waste bin and an opening that providesaccess to the waste bin is provided. The waste container furthercomprises a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening,the support having a flange extending therefrom which is configured formounting of a rotatable tubing cassette above the waste bin, wherein thesupport encloses less than all of the opening to the waste bin so thatwaste packs can be passed through the opening and into the waste bin.

In another aspect, the waste container is provided with a thrustingplate attached by a scissor slot assembly to a screw-type gear drivewhich is powered by an electrical motor through a gear transmissionassembly; the activated thrust plate is extended downwardly to push awaste package into the bottom portion of the container after the packageis sealed.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is further equipped with a plungingplate to effect a downward thrusting motion at the upper end sealed endof an enclosed waste package so that pulling of additional tubing fromthe refill cassette is effected so as to provide a pouch-like spacebelow the cassette core opening in order to receive the next wastepackage, thereafter repeating the twist-tightening motion.

The invention also provides an automatically controlled apparatus forindividually sequestering packs of odorous waste in a length of flexibletubing which is dispensed and depending from a core tube portion insidea tubular refill cassette. In one embodiment, the apparatus combines alower compartment or bin for receiving and storing the tubing enclosedwaste packs, and an upper compartment for accommodating and securing theelectronically powered and controlled system for sequestering each packof waste in the flexible tubing. In one embodiment, the sequestering orencapsulation of a waste package being initiated by an electricalactuator causing to start first, a rotational movement of the tubingrefill cassette or dispenser so as to effect a twisting motion of thetubing in one direction while tightening of the flexible tubing whichemanates from the cassette in a downward direction into the lowercompartment or chamber of the waste receptacle. The waste packetsequestering part of the tubing is held by a retention or clampingdevice while the cassette is rotating. In a second step, the thrustingplate is activated to move downwardly in a thrusting motion to urge thesealed waste package into the waste receiving bin and simultaneouslyprovide another length of flexible tubing for the next deposit of awaste packet. These and other aspects of the invention are disclosed inmore detail herein below.

The waste disposal apparatus further provides a means for cutting thetwisted sealed upper portion of the waste package and therefore thesealed flexible tubing. The cutting means are suitably located above thetwisted portion of the tubing and below the refill cassette enablingremoval of the sealed waste packages from the receptacle bins.

The sealing mechanism of the waste disposal apparatus can be furthersupplemented by an adhesive containing device or ribbon segmentallypositioned on the inside surface of the tubing material, said adhesivebeing activated by the twisting of the flexible tubing. Alternatively,the flexible tubing material can comprise clinging properties forreinforced twist stabilization and sealing effect. The adhesive locationcan be placed on the inside of the flexible tubing at predeterminedintervals or segments suitable for sequestering the waste packets.

A further aspect of the invention can be found in the film grip ring forgripping or holding the flexible tubing in place in order to prevent theinadvertent release of the stored refill tubing from the rotatingcassette during the twisting operation. This advantageous aspect assistsin creating a measurably effective tight twist lock of the sequesteredwaste packet in the tubing segment.

Another feature of the waste disposal apparatus comprises a triggermechanism for actuating the thrust mechanism for determining the startof the downward motion of the thrusting plate at the end or completionof rotational motion the core tube effecting the twist closure of theflexible tubing above the sequestered waste packet. The triggermechanism can be initiated by a timing device or optical counter whichactuates the thrust mechanism after a preset interval. The opticalcounter can be aided by a laser-optical detection device.

In one embodiment, a receptacle is provided which comprises a containercomprising a top portion, a bottom portion a side portion encompassingthe void, a lid attached to the top portion of the container; a cassettecomprising a rigid body formed by an internal core defining a firstspace, the core open at top and bottom, a surrounding casing wallpositioned to provide a second space between the tubular core and thecasing wall and a base wall joining a lower end of the surroundingcasing wall to the lower end of the tubular core, a length of flexibletubing packed in the second space; one or more support member(s)projecting from the side portion of the container configured to retainthe cassette between the top portion and the bottom portion of thecontainer; and permitting communication of the flexible tubing from thecassette to the bottom portion of the container; a tube sealingmechanism operably configured to engage with the cassette to form andseal a packet of material in the flexible tubing by turning thecassette, and wherein the lid comprises an apparatus for actuating thetube sealing mechanism. In this embodiment of the invention, thereceptacle can comprise, for example, a waste disposal container fordisposing malodorous wastes including waste container for soileddiapers, nursing homes and hospitals wastes. The waste containercomprises a support member, for example, a flange structurallyconfigured to allow the cassette to be rotated thereon. In oneembodiment, the cassette is mounted onto the flange and furthercomprises a drive plate, a drive gear structurally engaged with thedrive plate, and a motor mounted on the container lid and having anoutput shaft that rotates the drive gear when the motor is activated. Inanother embodiment, the receptacle comprises a timing circuit activatesthe motor to rotate the cassette for a predetermined amount of time or apredetermined number of times. The receptacle may also comprise amanually operated switch for activating the motor. The receptaclecomprises a lid which can be hingedly attached to the container, aplunging device which is movable downwardly into the bottom portion ofthe container for pushing a sealed waste package into the waste storageportion of the container. The receptacle may further comprise a firstretention mechanism operably configured to prevent rotation of a packetwhen the cassette is rotated to create a seal in the flexible tubing;and a second retention mechanism operably configured to prevent releaseof the stored flexible tubing from the tubing cassette during rotation.In one embodiment, the receptacle may be further comprising a driveplate mounted on the cassette, a drive gear operably engaged with thedrive plate, and a motor mounted to the container and having an outputshaft that rotates the drive gear when the motor is activated. Thereceptacle may include a timing circuit activates the motor to rotatethe cassette at a predetermined amount of time or a predetermined numberof times.

In another embodiment, a receptacle is provided, comprising: a containercomprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a side portion encompassinga void, a lid attached to the top portion of the container; a cassettecomprising a rigid body formed by an internal core defining a firstspace, the core open at top and bottom, a surrounding casing wallpositioned to provide a second space between the tubular core and thecasing wall and a base wall joining a lower end of the surroundingcasing wall to the lower end of the tubular core, a length of flexibletubing packed in the second space; one or more support member(s)projecting from the side portion of the container configured to retainthe cassette between the top portion and the bottom portion of thecontainer; and permitting communication of the flexible tubing from thecassette to the bottom portion of the container; a tube sealingmechanism operably configured to engage with the cassette to form andseal a packet of material in the flexible tubing by turning thecassette; a plunging mechanism operably configured to move a sealedwaste packet downwardly while pulling a length of the flexible tubingfrom the cassette to create new space for enclosing a subsequent wastepacket, and wherein the lid comprises an apparatus for actuating thetube sealing mechanism. In one embodiment, the receptacle may optionallyfurther comprise a gripping mechanism for the flexible tubing to preventrelease of the flexible tubing from the cassette during rotation of thecassette, or an apparatus operably configured to automatically packageand seal waste material deposited within the flexible tubing intoindividual packets by means of motor-powered turning mechanism housed inthe container, and wherein the flexible tubing is provided with anadhesive to reinforce the sealing mechanism.

In another embodiment, a method for disposing of waste material isprovided, comprising: providing a length of flexible tubing having afirst sealed portion of the tubing at a location along its length and anopen end of the tubing; the tubing packed and stored within a disposablecassette and capable of retaining waste material therein; inserting thewaste material through the open end of the flexible tubing until itcontacts the first sealed portion of the tubing to form a waste package;retaining the waste package such that the waste package does not rotatein relation to the open end of the flexible tubing; rotating the openend of the flexible tubing to form a twist in the flexible tubingbetween the open end of the flexible tubing and the waste package; andoptionally, sealing at least a portion of the flexible tubing to form asecond sealed portion located above the waste packet enclosure. In oneembodiment, the second sealed portion is accomplished by anelectrothermal heating mechanism, or chemical adhesive application to atleast a portion of the flexible tubing at the twist. In anotherembodiment, the retaining step of the method comprises retaining thewaste package by gripping the waste package to prevent movement of thewaste package during rotation of the cassette.

In yet another embodiment, a container for automated waste disposal,comprising: a container bin compartment structurally configured toreceived packaged waste material; a container top compartment enclosingan apparatus for automated packaging the waste material in the containerbin compartment; a combination of an automatically controlledmotor-driven cassette turning mechanism which packages the wastematerial into individual packets in a flexible tubing inside thecontainer bin compartment; and an automatically controlled motor-drivenplunging device operably configured to move a sealed packaged wastematerial and downwardly pushes the packaged waste material, therebypulling a predetermined length of the flexible tubing to provide spacefor packaging of subsequent waste material.

The invention also provides a cassette for use with the receptacles ofthe invention. The cassette comprises an outer wall having a topsurface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces; an inner wall having atop surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces; flexible tubingpositioned between the outer wall and the inner wall; a rim having a topsurface and a bottom surface and two side surfaces positioned betweenthe outer wall and the inner wall, the rim emanating from the topsurface of either of the outer wall or inner wall and extendingpartially towards the other wall, the bottom surface of the rim facingthe flexible tubing; wherein the rim comprises a plurality ofprotrusions or projections on the top surface of the rim. In oneembodiments, the protrusions or projections are operably configured toengage with a rotation mechanism of a waste disposal device. In oneembodiment, the cassette further comprises top and bottom surfaces whichmay optionally comprise protrusions, projections or a geared rim forengaging with a turning mechanism in making a sealed waste package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A more complete appreciation of the invention and the advantages thereofwill be more readily apparent by reference to the detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a refill cassette embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the refill twisterapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view thereof; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the extended plunger mechanism embodiment.

It is notable that like items depicted in different figures may bereferred to by the same reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an automatic device for the convenientand hygienic sequestering of waste packets. Waste packets are understoodto comprise diapers or similar malodorous waste contents.

For the purpose of this invention, any device that closes off tubing ata point along the length of the tubing is considered a “tube-sealingmeans.” Therefore, for example, fusion devices, which close off tubingwith heating elements, and twisting devices, which close off tubing byinducing a twist, are considered “tube-sealing means.” Severaltube-sealing means are disclosed herein above in the background of theinvention. Other tube-sealing means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,128,890 and 6,065,272, and U.S. Publication No. US 2002/0162304, thecontents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. In thisdescription and the accompanying figures of the automated sequesteringand waste disposal apparatus, reference is only made to a flexibletubing-twisting or twist-locking mechanism for closing off the flexibletubing to sequester the individual waste packets within the tubing aswell as the associated downward placing of the sequestered waste packetsby a plunger device.

The present invention as described in this embodiment is an improvementover other waste disposal devices or systems in that it comprises anautomatically controlled mechanism for sequestering the waste packetsindividually inside a flexible tubing bay of some length dispensed froma refillable cassette. The hands-off embodiment features a motor-drivenrotation of the refillable cassette comprising an inner core ofdispensable tubing. When the waste device is actuated, the rotationalmovement of the cassette effects the twisting of the tubing so as toform a sealed waste packet while the packet is held in place byspring-aided holder/brackets. One embodiment comprises a driveshaftconnected to the motor through a gear assembly or transmission. Thedriveshaft is activated when rotational movement of the cassette iscompleted and the waste packet is closed off or sequestered in thetubing material. In this embodiment, the driveshaft, for example, isconnected by a pinion through the connecting scissor slots to the thrustplate of the plunger. The rotation of the driveshaft, i.e., a rod with ascrew-type outer ridge, winds through the nut-like center hole of thepinion, which is thereby slideably moved along holding or locating meansor rod causing the scissor connectors to extend and vertically move thethrust plate to plunge or press downwardly on the sealed waste packet,which is consequently placed in the receptacle portion of the wastecontainer.

The motorized two-step mechanism of the apparatus controlling thetwisting and plunging of the automated waste sequestering operation canbe manually turned on by pushing a button, for example, on the topportion of the container, lid or head portion of the container.Alternatively, the mechanism may be controlled by a foot operated switchor lever. The motorized system is activated by pressing the button, andthe button makes electrical contact with the actuator of the motor inthe apparatus causing an initial twisting rotation of the cassette coretube. The rotational movement of the cassette by the motor driveshaftbeing transmitted through a set of gears to the rotational ring thatengages the cassette rim through the small ridges projecting therefromon top of the cassette when the attached upper head or lid compartmentof the waste receptacle is closed.

The second step of the automated control of the waste sequesteringmechanism causes a plunging device to downwardly thrust and extend sothat the sealed waste package is pushed into the receptacle space of thebottom portion of the container. Thus, the flexible tubing is pulledfrom the storage compartment of the cassette through a gap between theinner core tube and the rim atop the refill cassette to form a new spacefor depositing new waste.

Alternatively, the lid can be operationally configured to be opened byfoot. In this embodiment, the waste disposal device is provided with apedal-like structure which is operably configured and attached to thelid so that the motorized mechanism can be operated or activate by theclosing of the lid. A waste load is deposited into the open center ofthe cassette. Upon release of foot-operated mechanism, the lid closesand the motorized actuator mechanism is activated, for example, using acog gearing system which causes rotation of the cassette holding atubing bag receptacle. The rotation accomplishes two activities forsequestering a diaper or similar waste load and dropping or moving thesame downwardly into the tubing bag and into the container bin.

In the closed lid position, the actuator initiates the rotational forceon the tubing cassette by the refill twister exerting pressure on thebeveled ring surface of the cassette. The rotational movement ismeasured to continue until sufficiently tight twisting has been effectedon the tubing containing the waste so as to seal the top opening andthereby retain the waste load. At the moment when the twisting ortightening by cassette rotation is complete for sufficient closure ofthe tubing tubular bag, a vertically dispensed gearing mechanism isturned on and causes a downward movement of the cassette holder andcassette with attached waste loaded tubular receptacle portion. Thisdownward thrust is mediated through a scissor link assembly whichstretches out to extend along the axis of the cassette opening, movingthe sequestered waste load downward.

Simultaneous to the motorized rotational force input on the cassetterim, a film grip ring is activated to contact and clamp down on to theflexible tubing emanating and hanging over the top edge of the innercore tube of the tubing cassette. This contact prevents release oftubing from the storage compartment of the cassette during therotational twisting operation.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any otherinteger or group of integers. The general embodiment of the presentinvention is best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a waste container 10 is shown comprising a lower orwaste storing bin compartment 15 and an upper lid or head compartment 20with an optional activation start button 5.

The automated twist waste disposal apparatus useful for sequesteringwaste packets such as diapers in twist-sealable flexible tubing asillustrated in one embodiment of the invention by taking reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The disposal device 10 comprises top or lid portion 20 which compriseshingedly attached and latch-secured pivoting lid or cover configurationand a bottom or bin portion 15, comprising an approximately cylindricalor cone-like shape.

In FIG. 2, the lid portion 20 is shown to contain an apparatus forautomatic control of twisting and lowering of tubing below the refillcassette, the apparatus comprising an upper body portion 21 and a lowerbody portion 22. More specifically, the lid 20 houses or contains theapparatus upper body 21, comprising an electronic motor-driven controlgear assembly 110, an actuator 45, a rotatory grip ring or refilltwister 35 for contacting and rotating the tubing refill cassette body50 effectively twisting the flexible tubing 52 which emanates through agap 54 between the rim 57 of the cassette 50 and the core tube 61, andis folded down through the open cassette tube core area 51 into theinterior bin space 16 as partially shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The lower body of apparatus 22 encompasses the removable refill cassette50 as well as a retaining means or spring assembly 55 positioned to holdthe flexible tubing 52 which encloses a waste pack (not shown) in thebin space 16 during the twist-closure operation. The tubing cassette 50houses a length of tubing material 52 for sequestering the waste packetssequentially in the waste bin space 16.

A lid 20 secured by a hinge 81 to the waste bin 15 includes a latch 82.The waste bin 16 also includes a hinged base 19 for providing access tothe lower interior of the second waste bin 16. The hinged base 19includes a latch (not shown) for securing the hinged base 19 in a closedposition.

The bottom rim 58 of the tubing refill cassette body 50 rests on aflange support or holding ring 70 which is affixed to the internal wallside of the bin 15 of the device 10. The flexible tubing material 52 isstored in a continuously folded manner in the tubing storage compartment59 of the cassette 50.

Referring to FIG. 5, the apparatus embodiment of the gear assembly 110in a housing or cap structure 155 of the upper body portion 21 of theelectronic motor-driving apparatus 30 has a motor 47 located near thegear idler 25, which motor 47 is started when the manually depressedbutton 5 on the lid 15 makes contact with the switch 95. The firstaction of the motor-driven gear assembly causes rotation of the refilltwister 34 comprising a tubular ring structure 36 which exhibits anotched bottom surface 130 that is situated to make contact with the topring or collar of the refill cassette 50 so as to propel the cassetteinto rotational motion. The tubular refill twisting device 36 isprovided with a ridge 150.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment of the invention isrepresented showing the scissor link assembly 210 linked a slideableU-joint type linkage 215. The pinion is saddled on a radially positionedcarrier device 36 with a bracket 225 while at one point attached to alinkage 210 connecting assembly holder 215, and at another pointattached to a drive rod 235. The drive rod 235 comprising a screw-likewound surface is inserted into the nut-type center of the which can becentrally moved along the carrying means or rod 36 by the revolutions ofthe screw-type positioning rod so that the drive rod 235 rotations causethe scissor link connecting linkage 215 to move towards the center so asto move the plunger plate 40 vertically downward through open centralportion 37 of the upper apparatus configuration 21 and the cassette coreopening 62.

The twisting operation is further facilitated by the film grip ring 35which, during the twisting operation, acts as a brake pressing onto theflexible tubing 52 atop the cassette core tube 61, and prevents thetubing 52 from being pulled out of the refill cassette 50 storagecompartment 60 during the cassette rotation.

A revolution counting mechanism is included in the upper portion of theapparatus 21 controlling the twisting operation as well as the downwardmotion of the plunger 40.

Referring again to the illustrations of FIGS. 3 and 4, the refillcassette 50 stores the flexible tubing 52 which emanates from thestorage compartment 59 through the gap 54 between the rim 57 and thecassette's core tube wall 61 and then fords into the inner core area 62,hanging into the bin space 16 below. The rim 57 is provided with smallridges for effectively engaging the refill twister 34, in particular,the gear surface the refill twister 130 when rotating the cassette 50and the top portion of the flexible tubing enclosing the diaper deposit(not shown). An exemplary tubing cassette is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,934,529, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Taking reference again to FIG. 2, the lid portion 20 of this embodiment10 can be opened by depressing a foot pedal arrangement 65 which actsthrough a push rod 66 on the hinge assembly 81 of the lid 20, exposingthe open core area 62 of the refill cassette 50 for depositing a wastepacket.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the retention springs 55 are attachedto the flange 70 and retain or hold a waste package (not shown)stationary while the rotating refill twister 34 causes the cassettecollar or rim 57 to rotate the tubing cassette 50 inducing a twistingmotion in the flexible tubing 52. As used herein, the term “retentionmeans” shall include any retention device for retaining or restraining awaste package (not shown) in a stationary position while the cassette 50and the flexible tubing 56 dependent through the cassette core tube area62 is rotated. The term shall include, for example, retention devices asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512, 6,170,240, 6,128,890,6,370,847, JP 592039015 (P2000-247401 A), and U.S. patent PublicationNo. US 2002/0162304, the contents of all of which are incorporated byreference herein. Other means for rotating the tubing cassette 50 may beemployed.

As used herein, the term “retention means” shall include any retentiondevice for retaining a tubing enclosed waste package stationary whilethe flexible tubing 52 is rotated. The term shall include, for example,retention devices as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512,6,170,240, 6,128,890, 6,370,847, JP 592039015 (P2000-247401 A), and U.S.patent Publication No. US 2002/0162304, the contents of all of which areincorporated by reference herein.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example,components in one figure can be combined with components shown inanother figure.

STATEMENT REGARDING PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention has been described with respect to preferredembodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatvarious changes and/or modifications can be made to the inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims. All documents cited herein are incorporated intheir entirety herein.

1. A receptacle, comprising: a container comprising a top portion, abottom portion, a side portion encompassing a void, a lid attached tosaid top portion of the container; a cassette comprising a rigid bodyformed by an internal core defining a first space, said core open at topand bottom, a surrounding casing wall positioned to provide a secondspace between said tubular core and said casing wall and a base walljoining a lower end of said surrounding casing wall to said lower end ofsaid tubular core, a length of flexible tubing packed in said secondspace; one or more support member(s) projecting from said side portionof said container configured to retain said cassette between said topportion and said bottom portion of said container; and permittingcommunication of said flexible tubing from said cassette to said bottomportion of said container; a tube sealing mechanism operably configuredto engage with said cassette to form and seal a packet of material insaid flexible tubing by turning said cassette, and wherein said lidcomprises an apparatus for actuating said tube sealing mechanism.
 2. Thereceptacle of claim 1, wherein said receptacle comprises a wastedisposal container.
 3. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein said supportmember comprises a flange structurally configured to allow said cassetteto be rotated.
 4. The receptacle of claim 3, wherein said cassette ismounted onto said flange and further comprising a drive plate, a drivegear structurally engaged with said drive plate, and a motor mounted onsaid container lid and having an output shaft that rotates said drivegear when said motor is activated.
 5. The receptacle of claim 4, whereina timing circuit activates said motor to rotate said cassette for apredetermined amount of time or a predetermined number of times.
 6. Thereceptacle of claim 4, further comprising a manually operated switch foractivating said motor.
 7. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein said lid ishingedly attached to said container.
 8. The receptacle of claim 1,further comprising a plunging device which is movable downwardly intosaid bottom portion of said container.
 9. The receptacle of claim 1,further comprising: a first retention mechanism operably configured toprevent rotation of a packet when said cassette is rotated to create aseal in said flexible tubing; and a second retention mechanism operablyconfigured to prevent release of said stored flexible tubing from saidtubing cassette during rotation.
 10. The receptacle of claim 3, furthercomprising a drive plate mounted on said cassette, a drive gear operablyengaged with said drive plate, and a motor mounted to said container andhaving an output shaft that rotates said drive gear when said motor isactivated.
 11. The receptacle of claim 10, wherein a timing circuitactivates said motor to rotate said cassette at a predetermined amountof time or a predetermined number of times.
 12. A receptacle,comprising: a container comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, aside portion encompassing a void, a lid attached to said top portion ofsaid container; a cassette comprising a rigid body formed by an internalcore defining a first space, said core open at top and bottom, asurrounding casing wall positioned to provide a second space betweensaid tubular core and said casing wall and a base wall joining a lowerend of said surrounding casing wall to said lower end of said tubularcore, a length of flexible tubing packed in said second space; one ormore support member(s) projecting from said side portion of saidcontainer configured to retain said cassette between said top portionand said bottom portion of said container; and permitting communicationof said flexible tubing from said cassette to said bottom portion ofsaid container; a tube sealing mechanism operably configured to engagewith said cassette to form and seal a packet of material in saidflexible tubing by turning said cassette; a plunging mechanism operablyconfigured to move a sealed waste packet downwardly while pulling alength of said flexible tubing from said cassette to create new spacefor enclosing a subsequent waste packet, and wherein said lid comprisesan apparatus for actuating said tube sealing mechanism.
 13. Thereceptacle of claim 12, further comprising a gripping mechanism for saidflexible tubing to prevent release of said flexible tubing from saidcassette during rotation of said cassette.
 14. The receptacle of claim12, further comprising an apparatus operably configured to automaticallypackage and seal waste material deposited within said flexible tubinginto individual packets by means of motor-powered turning mechanismhoused in said container.
 15. The receptacle of claim 1 or 12, whereinsaid flexible tubing is provided with an adhesive to reinforce saidsealing mechanism.
 16. The receptacle of claim 1 or 12, wherein saidwaste material is a soiled diaper.
 17. A method for disposing of wastematerial, comprising: providing a length of flexible tubing having afirst sealed portion of said tubing at a location along its length andan open end of said tubing; said tubing packed and stored within adisposable cassette and capable of retaining waste material therein;inserting said waste material through said open end of said flexibletubing until it contacts said first sealed portion of said tubing toform a waste package; retaining said waste package such that said wastepackage does not rotate in relation to said open end of said flexibletubing; rotating said open end of said flexible tubing to form a twistin said flexible tubing between said open end of said flexible tubingand said waste package; and optionally, sealing at least a portion ofsaid flexible tubing to form a second sealed portion located above saidwaste packet enclosure.
 18. The method for disposing of waste materialof claim 17, wherein said second sealed portion is accomplished by anelectrothermal heating mechanism or chemical adhesive application to atleast a portion of said flexible tubing at said twist.
 19. A method fordisposing of waste material of claim 17, wherein said retaining stepcomprises retaining said waste package by gripping said waste package toprevent movement of said waste package during rotation of said cassette.20. A container for automated waste disposal, comprising: a containerbin compartment structurally configured to received packaged wastematerial; a container top compartment enclosing an apparatus forautomated packaging said waste material in said container bincompartment; a combination of an automatically controlled motor-drivencassette turning mechanism which packages said waste material intoindividual packets in a flexible tubing inside said container bincompartment; and an automatically controlled motor-driven plungingdevice operably configured to move a sealed packaged waste material anddownwardly push said packaged waste material, thereby pulling apredetermined length of said flexible tubing to provide space forpackaging of subsequent waste material.
 21. A cassette comprising: anouter wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two sidesurfaces; an inner wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, and twoside surfaces; flexible tubing positioned between said outer wall andsaid inner wall; a rim having a top surface and a bottom surface and twoside surfaces positioned between said outer wall and said inner wall,said rim emanating from said top surface of either of said outer wall orinner wall and extending partially towards said other wall, said bottomsurface of said rim facing said flexible tubing; wherein said rimcomprises a plurality of protrusions or projections on said top surfaceof said rim.
 22. The cassette of claim 21, wherein said protrusions orprojections are operably configured to engage with a rotation mechanismof a waste disposal device.
 23. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein saidcassette further comprises top and bottom surfaces optionally comprisingprotrusions, projections or a geared rim.